Draft DNTS Sect L.pdf

Dedicated Network Telecommunications System (DNTS) DRAFT SIR # 693KA8-23-R-000xx

L-1

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

L.1 FAA Acquisition Management System Clauses

L.1.1 3.1-1 Clauses and Provisions Incorporated by References (July 2019)

L.1.2 Clauses and Provisions Incorporated in Full Text

3.2.2.3-4 Samples (October 2018)

3.2.2.3-5 Descriptive Literature (July 2004)

3.2.2.3-20 Offers (January 2018)

3.2.4-1 Type of Contract (April 1996)

3.6.1-17 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code (January 2021)

3.9.1-3 Protest (January 2020)

L.2 Questions, Concerns, and Clarification

L.3 General Instructions

L.3.1 Definition of Offeror

L.3.2 Schedule

L.3.3 Alternate Proposals, Deviations, and/or Exceptions

L.3.4 Date, Place, and Time for Submission of Proposals and OCT

L.3.4.1 Written Proposal Volumes

L.3.4.2 Operational Capability Test submission

L.3.5 Expenses Related to Offeror Submissions

L.3.6 Communication with Offerors

L.3.7 Participation of Non-Government Personnel

L.3.8 Number of Awards

L.3.9 Contractor Responsibility

L.4 Proposal Organization and Preparation Instructions

L.4.1 Proposal Organization

L.4.2 Proposal Format

L.5 Volume Descriptions

L.5.1 Volume I – Technical Proposal (Factor 1)

L.5.1.1 Part A – Analyses Documentation

L-2

L.5.1.2 Part B – Operational Capabilities Test (OCT) Conduct and Submission

L.5.1.3 Part C – Completed OCT Participation Form (Attachment L-6)

L.5.1.4 Part D: Offeror Self-Assessment Form (Attachment L-4)

L.5.2 Volume II – Management Proposal (Factor 2)

L.5.2.1 Part A – Key Personnel Resumes (Element 1)

L.5.2.2 Part B –Management Capability (Element 2)

L.5.3 Volume III – Past Performance (Factor 3)

L.5.4 Volume IV – Price (Factor 4)

L.5.4.1 General

L.5.4.2 Part A – Completed Section B – Price Model

L.5.4.3 Part B – Price Narrative

L.5.4.4 Part C - Basis of Estimates

L.5.5 Volume V – Miscellaneous Documentation

L.5.5.1 Part A – Standard Form (SF) 33, “Solicitation, Offer and Award”

L.5.5.2 Part B – Section K – Representations, Certifications & Other Statements of Offerors .. 22

L.5.5.3 Part C – Copies of any subcontracts or teaming arrangements

L.5.5.4 Part D – Deviations, Exceptions, or Assumptions

L.5.5.5 Part E – Executive Summary

L.6 Section L Attachments

List of Tables

Table L-1: Procurement Schedule

Table L-2 Proposal Organization and Submission Requirements

Table L-3 Key Personnel

L-3

L.1 FAA Acquisition Management System Clauses

3.1-1 Clauses and Provisions Incorporated by References (July 2019)

This screening information request (SIR) or contract, as applicable, incorporates by reference the provisions or clauses listed below with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Offerors and contractors must obtain the full text via Internet at:

https://fast.faa.gov/contractclauses.cfm.

Clause Title Date 3.2.2.3-1 False Statements in Offers July 2004 3.2.2.3-6 Submittals in the English Language September 2020 3.2.2.3-7 Submittals in U.S. Currency September 2020 3.2.2.3-9 Notice of Possible Standardization July 2004 3.2.2.3-11 Unnecessarily Elaborate Submittals July 2004 3.2.2.3-12 Amendments to Screening Information Requests July 2004 3.2.2.3-13 Submission of Information/Documentation/Offers July 2004 3.2.2.3-14 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Submittals April 2018 3.2.2.3-15 Authorized Negotiators July 2004 3.2.2.3-16 Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data July 2004 3.2.2.3-17 Preparing Offers July 2004 3.2.2.3-18 Prospective Offerors Requests for Explanations March 2009 3.2.2.3-19 Contract Award July 2004 3.2.4-25 Single or Multiple Awards April 1996 3.6.2-7 Pre-award On-Site Equal Opportunity Compliance Review July 2011 3.11-45 F.O.B. Origin and/or F.O.B. Destination Evaluation April 1999

Clauses and Provisions Incorporated in Full Text

3.2.2.3-4 Samples (October 2018)

(a) ‘Samples' are item samples the Offeror (you) must provide to show characteristics of your products that cannot be described adequately (for example, balance, ease of use, or pattern)

(b) You must provide samples required elsewhere in this SIR as part of your offer by the time specified for receiving offers. The FAA may reject offers that do not provide samples on time (see provision 3.2.2.3-14 - "Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Offers").

(c) The Contracting Officer (CO) will evaluate samples to determine if they comply with all the characteristics listed in this SIR. The CO may reject offers if they do not provide samples meeting the requirements.

(d) Unless otherwise specified in the SIR, you must:

(1) Provide samples at no expense to the FAA, and

(2) Pay for the samples to be returned if you want them back.

https://fast.faa.gov/contractclauses.cfm

L-4

(e) The CO may waive the requirement to provide samples; if

(1) You provided the same product to us on a previous acquisition,

(2) The CO determines that your product was accepted or tested and found to be technically acceptable, conforming in every material respect with those of this SIR, and

(3) You will produce the product offered under this SIR at the same plant where you produced the previously acquired or tested product.

(End of provision)

3.2.2.3-5 Descriptive Literature (July 2004)

(a) "Descriptive literature" means information (for example cuts, illustrations, drawings, and brochures) submitted as part of an offer. The FAA (we) may need descriptive literature to evaluate details of the product. These details may be about:

(1) Design;

(2) Materials;

(3) Components;

(4) Performance characteristics; or

(5) Methods of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation.

(b) Descriptive literature includes only information the FAA needs to determine that the Offeror (you) will provide technically-acceptable products.

(c) The Offeror (you) must mark or highlight the items you are submitting as descriptive literature so we can readily find them in your offer.

(d) The Contracting Officer (CO) may reject offers that fail to submit descriptive literature on time (see the "Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Offers" provision of this SIR) or in which the descriptive literature does not show that the product offered conforms to the SIR requirements.

(e) The CO may waive the SIR requirement for descriptive literature if you indicate in subparagraph (e) (1) below that you supplied a comparable product under an earlier FAA contract and the CO determines that the product meets this SIR’s requirements.

(1) You represent that you [ ] have, [ ] have not [check applicable box] supplied a product to us, the FAA, under an earlier FAA contract that is the same as the product offered under this SIR.

(2) If you checked 'have' in paragraph (e)(1), and seek a waiver of the requirement for descriptive literature, submit the following information as part

L-5 of your offer:

Earlier contract number _____________________________________ Date of earlier contract ______________________________________ Contract line item number of product supplied ___________________ Name and address of government activity to which you delivered the product Date of final delivery of product _______________________

(f) You must submit offers on the basis of required descriptive literature or on the basis of a product you supplied previously under paragraph (e). Once you submit an offer on one of these two bases and the deadline for us to receive offers has passed, you may not elect to have your offer considered on the alternative basis. The Government will disregard your request for a waiver under paragraph (e) above if you have submitted the descriptive literature this SIR requires.

(End of provision)

3.2.2.3-20 Offers (January 2018)

(a) The Offeror (you) must submit responses to this SIR by the following electronic means electronic mail. Your offer must arrive at the place and by the time specified in the SIR.

(b) Such offers must refer to this SIR and include, as applicable, the item or sub-items, quantities, unit prices, time and place of delivery, all representations and other information required and a statement specifying the extent of your agreement with all the FAA's (we) terms, conditions, and provisions.

(c) We may decline to consider offers that do not include required information, or that reject any of the terms, conditions and provisions of the SIR.

(d) Send your offer to austin.w.francis@faa.gov.

(e) We will not be responsible for any failure attributable to transmitting or receiving the offer, unless it falls under section (a) of AMS provision 3.2.2.3-14 “Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Submittals”.

(End of provision)

3.2.4-1 Type of Contract (April 1996)

The FAA contemplates award of an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract resulting from this Screening Information Request. Delivery Orders will primarily be issued as Firm- Fixed Price (FFP) or Time and Materials (T&M); however, the Government reserves the right to use other contract types, as appropriate.

(End of provision) mailto:austin.w.francis@faa.gov

L-6

3.6.1-17 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code (January 2021)

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334210 Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing.

The small business size standard as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the following:

For NAICS codes based on SBA’s calculation of annual receipts, the annual average receipts cannot exceed N/A .

For NAICS codes based on the number of employees, the average number of employees over the last twelve-month period cannot exceed 1,250.

(End of provision)

3.9.1-3 Protest (January 2020)

AS A CONDITION OF SUBMITTING AN OFFER OR RESPONSE TO THIS SIR (OR

OTHER SOLICITATION, IF APPROPRIATE), THE OFFEROR OR POTENTIAL

OFFEROR AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS RELATING

TO PROTESTS:

(a) Protests concerning Federal Aviation Administration Screening Information Requests (SIRs) or awards of contracts shall be resolved through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dispute resolution system at the Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA) and shall be governed by the procedures set forth in 14 C.F.R. Parts 14 and 17, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Judicial review, where available, will be in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 46110 and shall apply only to final agency decisions. A protestor may seek review of a final FAA decision only after its administrative remedies have been exhausted.

(b) Offerors initially should attempt to resolve any issues concerning potential protests with the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer should make reasonable efforts to answer questions promptly and completely, and, where possible, to resolve concerns or controversies. The protest time limitations, however, will not be extended by attempts to resolve a potential protest with the Contracting Officer.

(c) The filing of a protest with the ODRA may be accomplished by mail, overnight delivery, hand delivery, or by facsimile or if permitted by order of the ODRA, by electronic filing. A protest is considered to be filed on the date it is received by the ODRA during normal business hours. The ODRA's normal business hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time

(d) Only an interested party may file a protest. An interested party is one whose direct economic interest has been or would be affected by the award or failure to award an

L-7

FAA contract. Proposed subcontractors are not "interested parties" within this definition.

(e) A written protest must be filed with the ODRA within the times set forth below, or the protest shall be dismissed as untimely:

(1) Protests based upon alleged improprieties in a solicitation or a SIR that are apparent prior to bid opening or the time set for receipt of initial proposals shall be filed prior to bid opening or the time set for the receipt of initial proposals.

(2) In procurements where proposals are requested, alleged improprieties that do not exist in the initial solicitation, but which are subsequently incorporated into the solicitation, must be protested not later than the next closing time for receipt of proposals following the incorporation.

(3) For protests other than those related to alleged solicitation improprieties, the protest must be filed on the later of the following two dates:

i. Not later than seven (7) business days after the date the protester knew or should have known of the grounds for the protest; or

ii. If the protester has requested a post-award debriefing from the FAA Product Team, not later than five (5) business days after the date on which the Product Team holds that debriefing.

(f) Protests shall be filed at:

(1) For filing by hand delivery, courier or other form of in-person delivery:

Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition Federal Aviation Administration 600 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2W100 Washington, DC 20591; or

For filing by U.S. Mail:

Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20591 [Attention: AGC-70, Wilbur Wright Bldg. Room 2W100]; or

Telephone: (202) 267-3290 Facsimile: (202) 267-3720 Alternate Facsimile: (202) 267-1293; or

L-8

(2) Other address as specified in 14 CFR Part 17.

(g) At the same time as filing the protest with the ODRA, the protester shall serve a copy of the protest on the Contracting Officer and any other official designated in the SIR for receipt of protests by means reasonably calculated to be received by the Contracting Officer on the same day as it is to be received by the ODRA. The protest shall include a signed statement from the protester, certifying to the ODRA the manner of service, date, and time when a copy of the protest was served on the Contracting Officer and other designated official(s).

(h) Additional information and guidance about the ODRA dispute resolution process for protests can be found on the ODRA Website at http://www.faa.gov.

(End of provision)

L.2 Questions, Concerns, and Clarification The DNTS FAA Contracting Officer (CO), Austin Francis (austin.w.francis@faa.gov), is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Offerors are instructed to direct general questions, concerns, and clarifications to the CO, identified above, by email. All Offeror questions, concerns, and clarification requests specific to the SIR must be made in writing using the question/clarification template provided with the SIR announcement (i.e., SIR Attachment L5- Offeror Clarification Form) and submitted to the CO via email not later than the date specified in Table L-1 Questions, Concerns, and Clarification due date.

Written inquiries received within this timeframe will be answered in writing and provided to all Offerors prior to the required date for submittal of Offeror proposals. The Government reserves the right to not answer any requests received outside of the above timeframe. Furthermore, Offerors should note that the proposal due date will not be extended solely on the basis of questions received within or beyond the timeframe mentioned above. The Government will not provide verbal responses to Offeror questions, concerns, and clarification requests initiated via Offeror telephone calls.

Copies of FAA specifications, standards, and publications applicable to this solicitation may be obtained from the FAA CO. Offeror requests must be submitted by email to the FAA CO and must clearly identify the desired material by title and number, and state the intended use of the material. All requests for FAA documents must be received by the Government by the date specified in Table L-1 Offeror Request for Documents due date.

L.3 General Instructions Offeror’s proposal submittal must be complete, accurate and contain the Offeror’s best price with technical terms. Offerors may be found ineligible for award if their proposals fail to conform to all terms and conditions of this SIR. However, the FAA reserves the right to: (i) reject any and all offers, (ii) waive any requirements, and (iii) accept deviations, exceptions, minor irregularities and/or discrepancies, if they are in the best interest of the FAA.

http://www.faa.gov/

L-9

Omissions or vague responses to the requirements of this solicitation may cause a proposal to be determined incomplete and may cause Offerors to be determined ineligible for award. Therefore, Offerors should provide comprehensive and adequate responses to all factors within the respective Volume proposals regardless of their order of importance. Since there may be no revised proposal submissions, Offerors should be fully responsive to the SIR and ensure that the proposals they submit contain their best terms from the standpoint of the proposed technical solution (i.e., DNTS equipment), management capability, and price.

Definition of Offeror

For purposes of Sections K, L, and M, the term “Offeror” refers to the entity submitting the proposal and that would serve as prime contractor if awarded the contract. The term “team” refers to the solution delivery team proposed by the Offeror and includes the Offeror and its proposed subcontractors. The term “Team Member” refers to a member of the team (including the Offeror or one of the proposed subcontractors).

Schedule

Offerors must comply with the procurement schedule dates in Table L-1.

Table L-1: Procurement Schedule Date/Time DNTS SIR release date Day 0 = TBD Offeror requests for documents due date 3:00 PM ET, day 0 +15 business days Offeror questions, concerns, and clarifications due date 3:00 PM ET, day 0 +15 business days Proposal due date - Offeror written proposals and OCT Submissions are due

3:00 PM ET, day 0 +90 calendar days

Alternate Proposals, Deviations, and/or Exceptions

Wholly or substantially alternate proposals are not authorized to be submitted in response to this SIR and will not be evaluated. With respect to specific terms or conditions of this SIR, any objection (i.e., deviations, exceptions or combination thereof) to any of the terms and conditions of this SIR may constitute a weakness or deficiency, which will either lower an Offeror’s proposal rating or may make the offer unacceptable.

The FAA reserves the right to award a contract without communications after evaluation of initial written submissions. The FAA also reserves the right to conduct Offeror specific communications/discussions and permit Offerors to revise their proposals, if the FAA CO deems these measures are appropriate and in the best interest of the FAA. The FAA reserves the right to reject any deviation and/or exception for any reason.

L-10

Any deviations and/or exceptions to any requirements listed in this SIR must be identified by the Offeror at the time of proposal submission and submitted in proposal Volume V, Miscellaneous Documentation, Part D: Deviations, Exceptions, and/or Assumptions.

Date, Place, and Time for Submission of Proposals and OCT

Offerors assume full responsibility for ensuring that all proposal volumes and Operational Capabilities Test (OCT) requirements are submitted by the date specified in the Table L-1 Proposal Due Date and in accordance with the sub-paragraphs below.

Each Offeror is fully responsible for the completeness and compliancy of both its written proposal and OCT submission requirements.

L.3.4.1 Written Proposal Volumes

All Offerors must submit their written proposal by email to the CO, Austin Francis (austin.w.francis@faa.gov). The subject field of the electronic mail message must be in the format, “Offeror name - 693KA8-23-R-000XX - Proposal Submission” where “Offeror name” is the name of the Offeror (you). The FAA will not accept any submission made by facsimile, telex, telegraph, postal delivery services, or any other means. If the CO does not receive a proposal by the specified date and time, it will not be accepted.

The proposal must be signed by an official who is legally authorized to obligate the Offeror to a contract.

L.3.4.2 Operational Capability Test submission

Offerors must submit all Operational Capabilities Test (OCT) equipment and materials by the Proposal due date listed in Table L-1 in accordance with SIR Attachment M-1 OCT Plan.

Offerors may deliver their OCT equipment and materials earlier than the Proposal Due Date;

however, the Government will not accept delivery of OCT submissions after this date/time.

Offerors must complete and submit SIR Attachment L-6, OCT Participation form with their written proposal as well as their OCT submission as instructed in Table L-2.

Expenses Related to Offeror Submissions

The Government will not pay or reimburse any costs incurred by the Offeror in the development, submission, or any other part of their offer including costs associated with its OCT submission and participation.

Communication with Offerors

The FAA may, at any time, communicate with Offerors on an individual basis to clarify particular aspects of their proposal, to negotiate the terms and conditions of the proposed contract, or to seek clarification or additional information regarding Offerors’ submissions.

Communication with potential Offerors may take place throughout the source selection process.

The purpose of communications is to ensure mutual understandings between the FAA and the

L-11

Offerors on all aspects of the procurement, including the Offerors’ proposals. Communications with one Offeror does not necessitate communications with other Offerors. Information disclosed as a result of oral or written communication with an Offeror may be considered in the evaluation of an Offeror’s proposal. The FAA also reserves the right to allow Offerors to revise their proposals.

All communications will be conducted through the FAA Contracting Officer. Each Offeror must provide in its submission cover letter: a point of contact, telephone number, and email address for purposes of initiating all communications.

Participation of Non-Government Personnel

Offerors are notified that the Government may have responses to the SIR-- to include any written technical proposals or other written information provided in response to this solicitation --reviewed by non-Government personnel (i.e., Contractor personnel) supporting the source evaluation. Companies participating in the source selection include the following:

KM Systems Group 2011 Crystal Drive Arlington, VA 22202

ITstrategy 6337 29th Street North Arlington, VA 22201

Solentus 241 18th Street, Suite 405 Arlington, VA 22202

ASRC Federal 11091 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 800 Reston, VA 20190

Veracity Engineering 955 L’Enfant Plaza SW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20024

The exclusive responsibility for source selection will remain with the Government. All non- Government personnel will be required to sign non-disclosure of information agreements before they are provided access to any responses to this SIR.

If an Offeror objects to the disclosure of information to these non-Government entities, it must notify the FAA CO, in writing no later than 5 calendar days after SIR release, and must include a detailed statement of the basis of the objection.

Number of Awards

The FAA intends to make a single award to one Offeror resulting from this SIR. The FAA reserves the right to not make an award or, to make multiple awards if in the interest of the Government.

Contractor Responsibility

To be eligible for award, a prospective Contractor (i.e., Offeror) must be determined to be responsible in accordance with FAA Acquisition Management System (AMS) Source Selection Policy 3.2.2.7 (April 2022). At a minimum, in order to be determined responsible, an Offeror must:

(1) Have or be able to obtain adequate financial resources to perform a contract;

L-12

(2) Have the ability to meet any required or proposed delivery schedules;

(3) Have a satisfactory performance history;

(4) Have a record of integrity and proper business ethics;

(5) Have appropriate accounting and operational controls that may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Production control;

(b) Property control systems;

(c) Quality assurance programs; and

(d) Appropriate safety programs; and

(6) Is qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws or regulations.

To assist in this determination, the Contracting Officer may request additional Offeror financial statements and reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey of any offeror and offeror’s subcontractor. A pre-award survey does not necessarily mean that an offeror has been selected for award.

A pre-award survey of one or more offerors does not necessitate a pre-award survey of all offerors. The following factors may be investigated during the survey and all findings may be considered in making a determination of responsibility.

• Production Capability

• Plant Facilities and Equipment

• Quality Assurance Capability

• Transportation/Shipping Operations

• Plant Safety

L.4 Proposal Organization and Preparation Instructions

Proposal Organization

Offeror proposal submissions will consist of written volumes and Operational Capabilities Test (OCT) equipment and materials as described in Section L.5. All Offerors are required to submit all proposal volumes, a complete set of OCT equipment and materials, and participate in the OCT as described in SIR Attachment M-1 - OCT Plan.

Offerors must submit their proposal in accordance with (IAW) the organization and submission requirements presented in Table L-2.

L-13

Table L-2 Proposal Organization and Submission Requirements

Volume Number Volume Title Page Limit

Submission Instructions

Electronic mail to CO unless otherwise specified I Technical Proposal

None

Format: PDF

Part A: White papers, data analysis reports, and all supporting documentation for OCT VRTM requirements marked as “Analysis”.

Part B: OCT equipment and other materials, e.g., cables, connectors, test scripts, training materials, etc.

IAW Attachment M1 - OCT Plan Section 5.4.1. Part B must also include Form 2 of the Form L-6 OCT Participation Form.

None

Delivered or hand-carried to WJHTC as specified in L.5.1.2

Part C: Completed Attachment L-6 OCT Participation Form. Note: A copy of Form 2 must be included in both Parts B and Part C of Volume I.

None File Format: PDF

Part D: Offeror Self-Assessment Form (Attachment L-

4) None File Format:

MS Excel II Management Proposal

3 pages per Resume (15 pages total)

Parts A and B:

Format: PDF

Part A: Key Personnel Resumes – (Using template in Attachment L-1)

Part B: Management Capability – (Using template in Attachment L-8)

50 pages

Count does not include optional Technical materials and Quality Accreditations

III Past Performance

N/A

E-mail to CO by customers completing surveys Format: PDF

Completed Past Performance Survey (SIR Attachment L- 2). Two (2) completed surveys required, both Sections A and B.

IV Price Proposal

None

Part A: Format:

MS Excel using the

Section B – Price Model

Part B: Format:

PDF

Part C: Format: MS

Excel

Part A: Offeror’s Completed Section B – Price Model

Part B: Price Narrative

Part C: Basis of Estimate (BOE)

V Miscellaneous Documentation

None Parts A-E:

Format: PDF

Part A: Completed SF- 33 and signed SF-30 (amendments)

Part B: Section K Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors

Part C: Signed copies of any subcontracts or teaming arrangements

Part D: Deviations, Exceptions, or Assumptions Part E: Executive Summary (Optional) 5 pages

L-14

Proposal Format

Offerors are permitted to submit only one (1) proposal. Offerors must submit proposals according to the following:

a) Proposals must be provided in standard letter size 8-1/2 by 11-inch format. Unless otherwise specified, the font for text must be Times New Roman, size 12 point, with one-inch margins for the left, right, top and bottom of each page. The font for graphics, illustrations, and charts must be eight point or larger. The Offeror may not use oversize pages. The proposal pages must be numbered sequentially. Any items imbedded within a document must be objects only, not links. Offeror responses to be submitted using a SIR attachment form or worksheet, must follow the formatting for that attachment.

b) A page is defined as one face of a sheet of paper containing information. Proposals must not exceed the page limitations listed in Table L-2.

c) The following materials are excluded from the page count limitation: Volume Covers, Title Pages, Tabs, Tables of Content, Lists of Figures, Glossaries, Acronyms, Abbreviation Lists, sample technical manual, and copy of Offeror quality certifications or accreditations, Contractor submittal letter and subcontractor commitment letters, if applicable, and transmittal letters. Any submission exceeding a page limitation will only be evaluated up to the established page limitation.

d) Proposals must contain comprehensive, concise, and factual information. General statements that the Offeror understands the requirements of the work to be performed or simple rephrasing or restating of the Government’s requirements will be considered inadequate. Similarly, submittals that contain omissions or incomplete responses to the requirements of this SIR, that merely paraphrase the Statement of Work (SOW) or that use nonspecific phrases such as "in accordance with standard procedures" or "well-known techniques" will also be considered inadequate. Deficiencies of this kind will render the proposal non-responsive cause the offer to be rejected.

e) Any trade secrets, copyright data, or financial information that the Offeror or proposed subcontractors do not want disclosed must be marked in accordance with Clause 3.2.2.3- 16, Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data (July 2004).

Each proposal requirement (Part) must be in its own file. For example, for Volume II, Part A (Key Personnel Resumes) should be submitted in one file, while Part B (Management Capability) should be submitted in a separate file.

The individual e-mail responses including attachments must be less than 20 MB. As such, vendors are permitted to submit their responses via multiple e-mails if necessary due to the size constraints. If Offerors compress (e.g. zip) any submitted files they must not be password protected. The file name must adhere to the following naming convention using the Volume/Part names listed in Table L-2.

“Offeror Name – DNTS VOL # - Volume - Part and Description”

L-15

Examples:

ABCD Inc– DNTS VOL I – Part A – Analysis Documentation ABCD Inc– DNTS VOL II – Part B – Management Capability

f) A cover page must be affixed to each volume that clearly identifies each volume title, volume number, solicitation number, and Offeror’s name. Whenever practical, enclosed headings, subheadings, titles, sequences of material and a number identification system must be used. Information not in its appropriate section or not appropriately referenced may be assumed to have been omitted and potentially not evaluated.

g) All proposal volumes must contain a table of contents, and glossary with the definitions of all acronyms and abbreviations used within the volume. These items do not count against the page limits (if applicable).

h) Cost or pricing information must not be included in any volume other than Volume IV (Price Proposal).

i) The FAA will only use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Microsoft Excel software to read and evaluate Offeror proposals. The FAA has no special software or monitors to review diagrams, drawings, or illustrations such as those created using Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Submitted proposals that are not compatible with the Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Microsoft Excel, will not be evaluated.

L.5 Volume Descriptions A description of the required contents for each proposal volume is provided in the subsections below. All information must be provided in these volumes as specifically prescribed.

Volume I – Technical Proposal (Factor 1)

The Offeror must provide all Volume I sections (Parts) as described in the sub-sections below.

Volume I, Parts A and B will be used by the Government to evaluate Factor 1 Sub-Factors 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, IAW SIR Section M. Parts C and D of Proposal Volume I will not be evaluated in Factor 1, but are required to supplement the Government’s evaluation process.

L.5.1.1 Part A – Analyses Documentation

In Volume I, Part A, Offerors must provide the supporting technical data, in the form of white papers, data analysis reports, to verify compliance for each of the DNTS requirements evaluated by “Analysis (A)” as listed in SIR Attachment M-2 OCT Verification Requirements Traceability Matrix (VRTM).

Offerors must submit Analysis Documentation IAW with the “Analysis Guidelines” found in SIR Attachment M1 - OCT Plan, Appendix B, Test Case Descriptions. Each analysis document must include the minimum contents for the type of documentation submitted, i.e. Data Analysis Report or White Paper.

L-16

L.5.1.2 Part B – Operational Capabilities Test (OCT) Conduct and Submission

In Volume I, Part B, Offerors must provide equipment and materials to verify compliance for each of the DNTS requirements evaluated by Demonstration (D), Inspection (I), and Test (T) evaluation methods as listed in OCT VRTM (Attachment M-2). Offerors must also provide technically qualified representatives to participate in the OCT as described in Section 5.4 Offeror Roles and Responsibilities and 5.11 Offeror Personnel Resource Requirements of the OCT Plan (Attachment M-1). OCT Test Case Descriptions are provided in Appendix B of the OCT Plan.

Specific OCT conduct and submission requirements are explained in the paragraphs below.

Offerors are advised to read through the OCT Plan carefully to ensure they understand the details for all OCT requirements as late or non-compliance with the requirements will be considered as non-responsive.

• Submission. Offeror must submit DNTS equipment and materials in accordance with 5.4.1 of the OCT Plan, which lists the items to be submitted. Offeror OCT submissions may be shipped or hand-carried to the following address below by the Proposal due date listed in Table L-1. In addition to the items required in Section 5.4.1 of the OCT Plan, Offerors must include a paper copy of their Description of OCT Submission contents using Form 2 of Attachment L-6. See Section L.5.1.3 for further requirements for Attachment L-6.

FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) Atlantic City International Airport, Building 70 Atlantic City, NJ 08405 Attn: (provided in Final SIR), ANG-E62 Telephone: (provided in Final SIR)

• Participation and Support. The Offeror must provide in-person support for multiple aspects of the OCT at the WJHTC as described in the OCT Plan, such as performing check-in and installation of the Offeror’s solution, verifying readiness all test nodes, providing familiarization testing and training to Government test personnel, conducting “Demonstrations (D)” tests as identified in the OCT Plan, providing technical support if requested during the Government’s independent testing activities, and repacking and removal of its OCT submission. In general, once the Offeror has completed its Demonstration testing, Offeror in-person participation will only be required on an as needed basis. Offerors must repackage their OCT equipment and materials at the conclusion of their OCT and arrange for removal from the WJHTC upon Government completion of all Offeror OCTs.

• Schedule. The Government will only conduct OCT of one Offeror’s solution at a time. The OCT evaluation conducted at the WJHTC is envisioned to last 25 business days for each Offeror. The Offeror's relative position in the OCT sequence will be determined randomly, however all Offerors’ OCT submissions are due at the WJHTC by the Proposal due date listed in Table L-1. Offerors must anticipate that their OCT participation may begin as soon as 10 business days after proposals are due since the sequence of OCT conduct will be determined randomly. The start date for each Offeror’s OCT will be provided by the

L-17

Contracting Officer five (5) business days prior to the Offeror’s OCT start date. Offeror’s must review Attachment L-3 WJHTC Facility Access Instructions, which includes additional instructions Offerors must follow for International Visitors, Covid-19 protocols, and directions to access the WJHTC.

L.5.1.3 Part C – Completed OCT Participation Form (Attachment L-6)

Each Offeror must provide a completed OCT Participation Form (Attachment L-6) as Part C of its Volume I proposal. A completed OCT Participation form must include:

1. Offeror’s selection for conducting its OCT Compliance Review (Completed L-6, Form 1). Offerors must select either: Option A) - a Government in-person OCT Compliance Review with offeror participation, or Option B) - Offeror Self-certification of its OCT Submission

2. A Description of Offeror’s OCT Submission Contents (Completed L-6, Form 2)

All Offerors must complete both Forms 1 and 2 of the OCT Participation Form, regardless of which type of OCT Compliance Review is selected in Form 1.

Note: An exact paper copy of the Offeror’s OCT Submission Contents (Form 2) must also be included in the Part B of Volume I, which is submitted to the WJHTC.

L.5.1.4 Part D: Offeror Self-Assessment Form (Attachment L-4)

Each Offeror must perform a self-assessment of their DNTS solution against each DNTS technical requirement {i.e., compulsory requirements (“Shalls”)} using the worksheet in Attachment L-4. Offerors must supply a response in each of the required cells in order for Volume I, Part D to be considered “complete”.

Part D will not be evaluated or scored, however it will be used as follows:

• If Offerors self-assessment forms include remediations or workarounds to any of the requirements, the FAA will assess the impact of the proposed workarounds or remediations in accordance with SIR Section M.2.4 Evaluation of Risk.

If cases arise where the FAA’s evaluation determines that the Offeror’s DNTS solution does not meet a requirement, but the Offeror’s self-assessment form shows the requirement is met, the FAA may request additional clarification from the Offeror.

Volume II – Management Proposal (Factor 2)

The Offeror must provide the information for the Management Proposal as described in the Sub-sections below.

L.5.2.1 Part A – Key Personnel Resumes (Element 1)

Using the template provided in SIR Attachment L-1and labor category requirements in SIR Attachment J-3, Offerors must provide a resume for each of the five (5) Key Personnel positions

L-18 listed in Table L-3 below. Each resume must not exceed the page limitations for Volume I, Part A listed in Table L-2.

Table L-3 Key Personnel

Key Personnel Description

(Section H.2, AMS Clause 3.8.2-17)

SOW

Reference

Minimum Qualifications

(J-3 Labor Categories)

DNTS Program Manager – Has overall responsibility for all work efforts performed under the DNTS contract. Leads DNTS Program Management Reviews and serves as the Contractor’s primary focal point to the Government’s DNTS Program Office and DNTS Contracting Officer.

C.3.1.1 Program Manager

DNTS Configuration Manager – Serves as the Contractor’s technical lead for the DNTS equipment/software and all configuration management and architectural issues. Engages in the resolution of technical and operational issues as needed. Attends all configuration audits and serves as the Contractor’s primary representative on all configuration data and issues.

C.3.2.1 Senior Engineer or

Senior Software Engineer

DNTS Logistics Manager – Has overall responsibility for logistics planning, management, and information under the DNTS contract. Supports the resolution of operational issues as needed. Serves as the Contractor’s representative on all logistics management data and issues.

C.3.3.1 Senior Logistician

DNTS Test Manager - Has overall responsibility for planning, coordinating, supervising, and reporting of all test activities required in the contract. Serves as the Government’s point of contact for all testing activities and ensures all tests are performed in accordance with the Contractor Master Test Plan and Contractor Verification Requirements Traceability Matrix. Must attend all Program Management Reviews and testing events including every day of the Factory Acceptance Test.

C.3.4.1 Engineer or

Software Engineer

DNTS Training Lead – Has overall responsibility for the development and delivery of DNTS training. Serves as the DNTS Contractor representative on all training issues and tasks. Attends the Contractor-hosted Training Guidance Conference to ensure contractors’ understanding of the training requirements and all other training related events, including the Course-walkthrough, Operational Tryout, and First Course Conduct.

C.3.3.11.1 Training Specialist

L-19

L.5.2.2 Part B –Management Capability (Element 2)

Offerors must submit as Part B of its Volume II -Management Proposal, a completed Attachment L-8 Management Capability form, responding to each of the form’s requests for responses.

In completing Attachment L-8, Offerors must not exceed the Volume II Part B page limitation listed in Table L-2. Offerors must provide a detailed response to each of the sections to be considered responsive. In addition, general statements that the offeror understands the requirements of the work to be performed or simple rephrasing or restating of the Government’s requirements will not be considered adequate. Similarly, submittals that contain omissions or incomplete responses to the requirements of this SIR, that merely paraphrase the Statement of Work, or that use nonspecific phrases such as "in accordance with standard procedures" or "well-known techniques" will also be considered inadequate. Deficiencies of this kind will render the proposal non-responsive.

Volume III – Past Performance (Factor 3)

Using SIR Attachment L-2, Past Performance Survey, the Offeror must identify two (2) contracts or task orders (Government or non-Government) that are either on-going or were completed within the past five (5) years of similar size, scope and complexity to the DNTS requirements. In selecting which contract or past work experiences to include, Offerors should review the evaluation criteria for Factor 3 in Section M.6.3.

The Offeror must identify at least one (1) customer from each of the two (2) prior contracts and have them complete Section B of SIR Attachment L-2 Past Performance Survey.

Each prior customer must complete the survey form, on the Offeror’s behalf, and each prior customer must email their signed survey form directly to the FAA CO. The Offeror is responsible for ensuring that their Past Performance Surveys are submitted to the FAA CO by the proposal due date. The Government reserves the right to contact the Offeror’s past-performance references and to consider references that are received after proposals are due.

Volume IV – Price (Factor 4)

L.5.4.1 General

The Offeror must not include pricing in any other proposal volume except Volume IV.

The Government anticipates that adequate price competition will exist, so Offerors are not required to submit certified cost and pricing data with their proposals. The Government anticipates that the data required by this SIR will be adequate for its price evaluation; however, the Government reserves the right to request additional information other than certified cost or pricing data.

Offerors are responsible for submitting sufficient information to enable the FAA to fully evaluate its price proposal. The Offeror must ensure there is consistency between the Technical and Price Volumes. The Offeror must ensure that the equipment pricing and support labor hourly rates are reasonable, realistic, and commensurate with the work required by the SIR.

L-20

L.5.4.2 Part A – Completed Section B – Price Model

The Offeror must submit a completed Section B – Price Model as Part A of its Volume IV Proposal. Offerors must complete all SIR Section B - Price Model entry blocks with their proposed pricing for the base period and all option periods. The Offeror must also input their indirect rates (e.g. Material Handling, G&A) as applicable for Materials, Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) in the tab titled “General”. Materials and Travel (CLINS x012 and x013) in the Section B - Price Model are Not-to-Exceed dollar amounts, inclusive of indirect costs and non-fee bearing. A submitted Price Model that does not include the Offeror’s indirect rate and pricing for all contract line items for the 10-year contract term will be considered non-responsive. Prices and rates submitted in the Price Model are binding on the Offeror, and will be incorporated into Section B in the awarded contract.

Each Offeror’s completed Price Model must be submitted in Microsoft Excel using the provided SIR Section B – Pricing Model file. The submitted Price Model must not be read-only, must not contain any locked cells other than those already locked by the Government, and must not be password-protected, in whole or in part. All formulas must remain as formulas, not set to values.

The FAA reserves the right to reject proposals that do not comply with these requirements.

Offerors must propose firm-fixed unit prices for equipment, repairs, and other contract deliverables. Offerors must provide fully-burdened labor rates for each labor category using the qualification descriptions in SIR Attachment J-3 -Labor Categories as a basis for the proposed rates. The fully burdened rates must include direct labor and all indirect costs applicable to that direct labor (e.g., fringe benefits, overhead, G&A), and profit. The FAA will only include one labor rate per labor category in the contract. The labor hours will be paid at the same rate regardless of whether the individual performing the effort works for the prime contractor or a subcontractor. All hourly labor rates should be priced as work performed at the Contractor’s site.

L.5.4.3 Part B – Price Narrative

The Offeror must provide a price narrative as Part B of its Volume IV proposal. The Offeror’s price narrative must describe the rationale, methodology and calculations used to develop the proposed pricing in the Price Model (Part A). The price narrative may be submitted in the Offeror’s preferred format/structure; however, the narrative must include any information the Offeror believes to be essential for the Government’s understanding of their proposed pricing.

The narrative must individually address each CLIN in Section B.

The Price Narrative must address the areas listed in the table below.

CLIN category CLINs Narrative Requirements

Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Equipment CLINs.

x001 a-h, x002 a-r

Assumptions used for the proposed non-labor unit prices (e.g., hardware, discounts, shipping, software licenses, profit, risk, escalation, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)).

L-21

CLIN category CLINs Narrative Requirements

FFP Repair and Diagnostic CLINs x004 a-h, x005 a-r, 1101 a-h, 1102 a-r

Assumptions used for the proposed repair or diagnostic unit prices (e.g., components, escalation, labor, risk, shipping, profit, and ODCs).

Hourly Labor Rate CLINs. x011 a-j The Offeror must clearly explain and demonstrate the labor rate buildup methodology and rationale used to develop the rates, inclusive of blended rates, if applicable. This includes a description of the direct base labor rates used, any applicable indirect rates (e.g.

overhead, G&A) and profit. As part of this requirement, the Offeror must also discuss the application of escalation/inflation rates, if applicable. The proposed T&M rates must be traceable to the rationale and methodology described. This requirement applies to subcontractor rates as well.

FFP Meeting, Event, Conference CLINs x014a-j Assumptions used for each of the proposed meetings/events/conference price including Contractor participants, hourly rates, number of hours, escalation, travel and per diem, and any ODCs.

FFP Data Deliverable (CDRL) CLINs

X020-x064 Assumptions used for each of the proposed CDRL prices including required labor categories with labor rates, level of effort for each labor category, and any ODCs. Note:

Labor Categories other than the ones in Attachment J-3 (e.g. technical writer, technical editor, quality manager) may be included as long as their role in regards to the Data Deliverable is explained.

L.5.4.4 Part C - Basis of Estimates

The Offeror must submit a Basis of Estimates (BOE) in MS Excel. The BOE must provide calculations for all Firm-Fixed Priced CLINs in Section B – Price Template for all 10 years , including CLINs that are Not Separately Priced (NSP). The BOE must clearly demonstrate how an Offeror’s proposed price for each CLIN was calculated including:

• how proposed equipment pricing was modified from manufacturer retail/commercial pricing (increased or decreased), including a rationale for any increases;

L-22

• how proposed firm-fixed prices for repairs were determined and calculated;

• for contract data deliverables (CDRLs) and events – how firm fixed prices for these deliverables were estimated, i.e. the labor category mix, level of effort, types and quantities of materials and Other Direct Costs

• How contract years 2 through 10 pricing was escalated or calculated from base year pricing; and

• If applicable, costs related to sub-contractors resources.

The information provided must include the calculations for the proposed unit prices. For example, in the CLINs for data deliverables (CLINs x020 through x064), the Offeror must provide the build up for all required Labor Categories (LCATs), associated direct labor rates, level of effort (number of hours), any indirect costs, and applicable profit. Offerors may include costs for work performed by LCATs that are not included in the DNTS Labor Categories, e.g.

technical writer, quality manager, etc., as long as the roles for these additional LCATs is adequately described.

Offerors may provide their BOE in their preferred Excel format; however, if the BOE does not adequately demonstrate how a proposed CLIN pricing was calculated, the Government may require the Offeror submit a subsequent BOE for that CLIN in a Government-provided format.

Volume V – Miscellaneous Documentation

The Offeror must provide the documentation below in the parts identified below.

L.5.5.1 Part A – Standard Form (SF) 33, “Solicitation, Offer and Award”

The Offeror must complete Standard Form (SF) 33, "SOLICITATION,…